BP loads for my Vaquero .45LC

Started by Henry4440, June 26, 2008, 10:20:30 AM

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Henry4440

Tomorrow i will shoot my Vaquero.45LC with BP.
I have GOEX FFFG and Swiss2 , 250gr.H&N High Speed copper-plated bullets.
What is a good starting load?

;)


Roosterman

Either powder is fine, use a full case with a little compression. Ditch the copper plated bullet, you need something that is going to carry a whole lot of lube, otherwise you're going to seize up in a hurry. :P
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Dick Dastardly

Howdy Lonesome Henry,

Click on my banner below to read about some great bullets designed by black powder shooters.  I put them under the Big Lube™ umbrella.  I'll be shooting some this weekend at "Hang Um High".

DD-DLoS
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Riverboat Gambler and Wild Side Rambler
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Purveyor of Big Lube supplies

Ranch 13

I'm partial to 37 grs of Goex 3f with a .030 fiber wad, all topped off with either the Remington bulk 250 gr bullet with the hollow base wiped full of lube, or the RCBS 260 kt swc lubed with Sagebrush alox. Velocity runs at 875 and shooting 25-30 rounds before wiping off the front of the cylinder isn't uncommon.

If you shoot those copper clads you'll do well to use a grease cookie or a lubed felt wad under it to keep the fouling to a managable level.
Eat more beef the west wasn't won on a salad.

Steel Horse Bailey

As Ranch 13 mentioned, fouling is going to be your main problem.  I KNOW you are only shooting those copper-clad bullets at your practice range, since lead ONLY is allowed for SASS, NCOWS, and any others I know of, right?  You CAN get some APP powder (and maybe Pinnacle - sorry I'm not that familiar with subs) and not have to worry about grease, but without some lube, your guns will gum up and lose accuracy FAST.  Especially your rifle. 

To be totally honest, I'd consider forgetting to use the copper clads and get some lead only to shoot BP with.  (A dozen won't hurt if you just HAVE to give 'em a try!  ::)  ;D )

Getting proper amounts of lube is THE main factor (IMHO) of successful BP shooting.  If you're going to shoot lots of BP, I'd recommend some of the BigLube (tm) products.  If you want to cast yourself, Dick's website, www.biglube.com is the way to go, but if you're not into casting, Springfield Slim http://www.whyteleatherworks.com will sell you some cast and lubed boolits.  (There's also a link to his site on DD's link page.)  You won't be sorry.
"May Your Powder always be Dry and Black; Your Smoke always White; and Your Flames Always Light the Way to Eternal Shooting Fulfillment !"

Roosterman

Or, you can load regular lead smokeless bullets with black powder and lube over the ends of the cylinders. I just did this last week as I'm waiting the arrival of some big lube bullets. Worked fine.
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Known to run with scissors from time to time
Citadel of Sin Social Club

Surly Bob

Dump the copper clad bullets my good Pard!
Go with lead only for BP. 

Also, if you are going to shoot in the rifle as well, there is nothing better than the "Big Lube" bullets that Dick Dastardly sellls the molds for. 
I've been loading APP powder in regular blue lube bullets and get along OK but the Big Lube bullets are really the best.
I made my own lube, lubed the bullets, and load 'em up for some great shootin'.
If you see lube build up at the end of the barrel, you know you have enough.

Wishing you some great BP shooting and welcome to the Dark Side!
Once you go black, you never go back.....
Uh, it's been a while since I was in a fight.
I panicked!
Fell back, like to have broke my foot!
Well, or that damn Cuban cigar got me riled up

Steel Horse Bailey

Roosterman told you a good way to shoot yer pistols and lubein' 'em up like an old C&B pistol.  It works.

Yer gonna hafta figger something better for your rifle, however.  You can't smear lube over the end of the barrel and shoot THEM!

I know a way that will work, but I won't mention it on the public wire here because many will consider it unsafe - and it CAN be; if you're not careful.  I don't recommend it for long-term use and to be honest, I'd go with grease cookies or one of the BigLube boolits - then you won't have to worry.

"May Your Powder always be Dry and Black; Your Smoke always White; and Your Flames Always Light the Way to Eternal Shooting Fulfillment !"

Henry4440

Thanks for the information guys.The thing with the copper-clad bullets is, i didn't have  lead bullets at the moment.Just order some from my trader.So i have only the copper-clad bullets at the moment.
I shoot only 5 shots with 38grs Swiss2 and found it a little 'awesome'.
Before that i shoot with 7.8grs N340.
In my 1860Army i shoot only 21grs. of Swiss2.

But, i must say that i'm more the rifleman. ;D
The favorite rifles are my Bucks County Flintlock and my Henry Rifle.

;)

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